Guhle returns, Struble dealt as Habs face Wings: Canadiens evening report

It’s a busy Saturday for the Canadiens’ blue line: one promising defenceman is back, another has been shipped out, and the team is trying to stop an early-season slide as the Detroit Red Wings visit the Bell Centre.

Guhle back in, Fowler gets the net

Defenceman Kaiden Guhle will play his first game of the season tonight against the Red Wings, after missing the Canadiens’ opening four contests while recovering from offseason adductor surgery, as reported by Daily Faceoff and Sportsnet. La Presse also notes that Guhle is confirmed in the lineup versus Detroit and that Fowler will get the start in goal against the Wings.

The timing is significant. As The Hockey Writers points out, the Canadiens have started the 2026–27 campaign slowly, opening with a 1-2-1 record. The standings echo that reality: Montreal sits 7th in the Atlantic Division with 3 points through four games.

Struble traded, Bolduc standing out, Matheson under fire

On the transaction front, The Hockey Writers reports that the Canadiens have traded defenceman Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2027 second-round draft pick. It’s a notable move on the back end, turning a young blueliner into a future asset.

The same outlet highlights that Zachary Bolduc is proving his value while the Habs struggle to pick up wins. According to The Hockey Writers, he has been a bright spot as Martin St. Louis’ group looks for traction early in the season.

The Hockey Writers also focuses on Mike Matheson, noting that the Canadiens defenceman receives a lot of criticism, much of it described as unjustified. The piece underlines that he is taking heat, especially after a recent costly goal, but suggests the blame does not rest solely on his shoulders.

Red Wings in town: early-season measuring stick

The Canadiens host the Detroit Red Wings tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern at the Bell Centre. With a 1-2-1 record and a 7th-place spot in the Atlantic, this home date is an early chance to stabilize their game, lean on Guhle’s return, and see what Fowler can offer in goal against a divisional opponent.